McGuinty government's investment keeping residents of Huron County active - July 9, 2007

Communities In Action Fund Investing Even More Into Ontario Communities In 2007-08

CLINTON – The McGuinty government is providing $18,000 to Town and Country Support Services through the 2007-08 Communities in Action Fund (CIAF) to increase and promote physical activity in Huron County, Carol Mitchell, MPP Huron-Bruce announced today on behalf of Minister of Health Promotion Jim Watson.

This grant will assist Town and Country, in conjunction with volunteer fitness leaders, health organizations and health care professionals, to create programs and education that targets specific sectors – from active adults, to older seniors who live with chronic health restrictions. The programs in this project, which includes Hiking and Cross Country Skiing clubs, a Lunch and Learn Series and Personal Training for Seniors, are not being duplicated anywhere else in Huron County.

“CIAF grants are making it easier for residents in this community to become more active,” said MPP Carol Mitchell. “These grants will provide new and enhanced sport, recreation and physical activity programs that will improve the health and fitness of local families.”

“We are excited that we are being supported by government funding to develop personal training and specific exercise programs to help older adults in establishing and maintaining healthy lifestyles” said Jean Young, Executive Director of Town and Country Support Services.

The Communities In Action Fund, now in its fourth year is a $5 million program that has awarded more than $16 million to approximately 548 organizations at the local and provincial levels and has benefited approximately 1 million people. In March 2007, the Ontario government announced that the provincial budget will allocate an additional $2.5 million - for a total of $7.5 million - to the 2007-2008 fund. As a result of the additional funding, the Ministry of Health Promotion is now accepting new applications for a second round of funding. Applications will be accepted until noon on June 15, 2007.

The Communities In Action Fund is a key initiative of the government’s physical activity strategy and Ontario’s Action Plan for Healthy Eating and Active Living. By improving opportunities for community sport and physical activity, CIAF helps to remove barriers to participation for children and youth, low-income families, aboriginal people, older adults, women and girls, visible/ethnic minorities and people with disabilities. Visit www.mhp.gov.on.ca/english/sportandrec/fund.asp for details.

“Through CIAF, we partner with organizations that have already helped thousands of Ontarians to develop more healthy and active lifestyles,” said Watson. “I am looking forward to seeing the great work that organizations across the province will do in 2007-08 to make Ontarians even healthier.”

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Contact:
Carol Mitchell, MPP Huron-Bruce
519-482-5630